BajaNomad - The Number one Health issue facing the Baja Ex-Pats.

The Number one Health issue facing the Baja Ex-Pats.

surebought - 12-3-2009 at 08:50 AM

I bet nobody would guess this one. This is just my opinion and it is not based on any scientific studies or anything. But from my perspective from owning a Farmacia in Ensenada for twenty years, I would have to say that it is Type 2 Diabetes. And the people find out when they go to a Dentist and the work doesn't heal right away. Or they cut themselves and a month later they still have the scab. Another symtom is the incessant obsessive conversations of extreme dogma that bounce from one topic to another in a five minute convsation. I listen and then I beg them to get a Blood Test.. They really get on your nerves sometimes. They can't focus anymore on one subject. Forget all this histeria about the Flu. Dying from Flu symtoms would be a blessing. You never hear about anybody dying from Diabetes. They just go blind and start losing legs and then their families come down and take them back to the old country to be institutionalized at the expence of Medical at a cost of $5000 a month where they finish their lives alone and miserable. Some people actually can get control of it and lead pretty normal lives but that takes a lot of self disipline. You have to be willing to think its fun to deny yourself things. Maybe it's a real epidemic in the US too among the over 50 crowd and I don't see it because I'm not there. I can't speak as to what causes it or how you can cut your risk factors. One thing I do no is that they did do a study in Southern Arizona with Indian Tribes and compared it to their Indian cousins in Norther Sonora, Mexico. The Northern Sonora Indians had stuck pretty much to eating their tradition foods and had fewer cases of Diabetes. The Native Americans on the Arizona side had completely adopted that American diet and thus had much higher rates of Diabetes approaching 100%. I don't think that it is so sugar related but more to do with eating a lot of processed food.

DENNIS - 12-3-2009 at 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by surebought

The Number one Health issue facing the Baja Ex-Pats.
I would have to say that it is Type 2 Diabetes.

Running a close second might be boredom induced alcoholism. A person who enters retirement without hobbys is suseptable.

Osprey - 12-3-2009 at 09:09 AM

Dennis, you are right on. That's what happened to me. I was no good at hobbies. One of my imaginary friends, Robby, made beautiful cabinets but I really only had the alcohol thing.

gnukid - 12-3-2009 at 09:12 AM

I hear the biggest issue is vitamin D deficiency which is the precursor to many other illnesses. This is easily overcome with 30 minutes of sunshine, fish and/or supplements. Surprisingly vitamin D deficiency is greater in darker pigmented people whose skin is less able to get Vit D from the sun.

tripledigitken - 12-3-2009 at 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by surebought

The Number one Health issue facing the Baja Ex-Pats.
I would have to say that it is Type 2 Diabetes.

Running a close second might be boredom induced alcoholism. A person who enters retirement without hobbys is suseptable.

Dennis,

You are spot on. That was one of the main reasons I got back into Photography.

Ken

tjBill - 12-3-2009 at 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by surebought

The Number one Health issue facing the Baja Ex-Pats.
I would have to say that it is Type 2 Diabetes.

Interesting, because I know an American who moved to Baja for that very reason. He did not have health insurance and since he was diagnosed while uninsured no US insurance companies would cover him; blacklisted in the insurance databases.

Dave - 12-3-2009 at 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by surebought

The Number one Health issue facing the Baja Ex-Pats.
I would have to say that it is Type 2 Diabetes.

Running a close second might be boredom induced alcoholism. A person who enters retirement without hobbys is suseptable.

I'd guess the two are connected. All the heavy drinkers I know are also diabetics. One 'checked out' a few months ago. Another is days/weeks away. My business partner, also a former heavy drinker and a brilliant guy, had a heart attack about a year ago. A diseased heart caused by diabetes. He's on top of it, though. Quit drinking and radically changed his diet. Unfortunately, not soon enough. He will soon be insulin dependent.

DanO - 12-3-2009 at 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Osprey
Dennis, you are right on. That's what happened to me. I was no good at hobbies. One of my imaginary friends, Robby, made beautiful cabinets but I really only had the alcohol thing.

Now THAT is funny.

Beachgirl - 12-3-2009 at 11:11 AM

None of us is getting out of this thing alive, but we sure can wiggle on the hook alot. Keep all the "bad" habits to a low rumble, and be happy. Surround yourself with people you enjoy, eat right, get plenty of fresh air. What more could we ask for?

dtbushpilot - 12-3-2009 at 11:51 AM

Guess I'd better get a hobby before its too late.....may already be......dt

Woooosh - 12-3-2009 at 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Beachgirl
None of us is getting out of this thing alive, but we sure can wiggle on the hook alot. Keep all the "bad" habits to a low rumble, and be happy. Surround yourself with people you enjoy, eat right, get plenty of fresh air. What more could we ask for?

a good dog helps.

DENNIS - 12-3-2009 at 12:06 PM

Quote:

Oh yeah..right. Your fertile mind is your hobby. Like a puppy running loose in the yard. :biggrin:

toneart - 12-3-2009 at 12:07 PM

Keeping the c-cktails replenished while spending hours on the BajaNomad. Now there's a hobby!

Robby...Get me another! :lol:

toneart - 12-3-2009 at 12:09 PM

It is too tempting to have fun here, but Diabetes is a serious matter. Everyone needs to get checked and stay on top of it. Thank you David for the topic.

Bajahowodd - 12-3-2009 at 12:32 PM

David's mention of the Indians and dietary differences uncovers a major component of the reasons for the "epidemic". Americans, by and large, have lousy eating habits, what with fast food outlets on every corner. Even when eating at home, they tend to consume processed foods. The food suppliers are of little help either. It's very hard to find products that do not contain huge amounts of sodium and fat. And sometimes they even lie about the efficacy of their products. There is currently running on TV, an ad for Manwich- the crap in the can- that claims it provides a full serving of veggies!

[Edited on 12-3-2009 by Bajahowodd]

k-rico - 12-3-2009 at 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by toneart
It is too tempting to have fun here, but Diabetes is a serious matter. Everyone needs to get checked and stay on top of it. Thank you David for the topic.

It's real easy, and cheaper than going to a doctor, to go the drug store and buy a glucose monitoring thingamajigger.

http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/diagnosis/

DENNIS - 12-3-2009 at 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
a full serving of veggies!

I don't think that means anything. A "full serving" to a lot of kids is zero.

vandenberg - 12-3-2009 at 12:49 PM

I noticed that anytime a thread involves imbibing, it has lots of followers/commentators.
Wonder why?? :biggrin:

Woooosh - 12-3-2009 at 01:00 PM

after re-reading these posts- are you sure #1 isn't dementia?

toneart - 12-3-2009 at 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh
after re-reading these posts- are you sure #1 isn't dementia?

No, I am not sure. :?:

Cheaper, Eh?

Bajahowodd - 12-3-2009 at 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by k-rico

Quote:

Originally posted by toneart
It is too tempting to have fun here, but Diabetes is a serious matter. Everyone needs to get checked and stay on top of it. Thank you David for the topic.

It's real easy, and cheaper than going to a doctor, to go the drug store and buy a glucose monitoring thingamajigger.

http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/diagnosis/

I just dropped $100 at Target for a box of test strips!

noproblemo2 - 12-3-2009 at 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by toneart
Keeping the c-cktails replenished while spending hours on the BajaNomad. Now there's a hobby!

Robby...Get me another! :lol:

I'll second that!!!! Cheers :lol:

noproblemo2 - 12-3-2009 at 04:19 PM

There is always a veggie garden for a hobby and provides fresh food...

bajabass - 12-3-2009 at 05:21 PM

Yeah, but then all the dogs in the ejido eat them, I get depressed and drink!! :biggrin:

DENNIS - 12-3-2009 at 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajabass
I get depressed and drink!! :biggrin:

That's what you're supposed to do. It verifies your diagnosis for depression.
It ain't easy sustaining a mindset that allows talking about Your Prozac in bars.

knuckles - 12-3-2009 at 08:51 PM

I second that Veggie Garden thing. Along with lots of Wine

BajaNuts - 12-3-2009 at 11:27 PM

cheers, mates!

I'm headed out tomorrow to spend a day with family which includes my ...since 1st grade...insulin dependant diabetic brother...now age 48. Multiple daily injections, and he still drinks wine................

It's in our family from previous generations. Hypoglycemia and diabetes.

Packoderm - 12-3-2009 at 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tjBill

Quote:

Originally posted by surebought

The Number one Health issue facing the Baja Ex-Pats.
I would have to say that it is Type 2 Diabetes.

Man, that's not cool. I guess that no matter how bad it gets with me, I'll keep away from any kind of testing while here in the U.S.

BajaNuts - 12-3-2009 at 11:35 PM

surebought sounds like someone who is on the "front lines" as they say, in the health care industry.

In his 20 years as a farmacia, I bet he has a pretty good line on what are the health issues.

Diabetes stems from diet, alcohol, exercise, any number of factors.

Thanks to this new poster for sharing what they believe to be a big issue (and it IS a big issue-one of many) and can affect all of us in some way at some time.

[Edited on 12-4-2009 by BajaNuts]

irenemm - 12-4-2009 at 12:00 AM

Mexican are the #1 people in the world or hispanic with Diabetes. UCLA had a study for more than 10 years. Dr. Manuel Quinones was in charge of that. great DR. got my husband sugar in control and my son-in-laws.

diet and exercise most important

The Gull - 12-4-2009 at 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by toneart

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh
after re-reading these posts- are you sure #1 isn't dementia?

No, I am not sure. :?:

I can't remember.

I thought my deafness and blindness came from diabetes until I was tested for blood sugar and found it very low.

Seems like little blue pills may have been to blame.

No matter, I can't hear ugly women complain during sex. Best of both worlds.

surebought - 12-4-2009 at 08:46 AM

I carefully left out alcohol as a risk factor in Diebetes. I didn't want to offend any of my new friends on Baja Nomad. And I love my two Bohemias that I drink every week with seafood. Just call me Mr. Moderation. I do understand why people drink. I only know one Mexican Gentleman who drinks quite a bid (You all know him if you frequent Hussong"s). They should study him, because he's the only Mexican Alcoholic that I know that doesn't also show signs of Mental Illness. For Mexican's Alcohol can quickly lead to living under the Bridge and pestering the tourists for money. Not with the Americans. Back in the US some carry on very productive lives. Bordom and being a little too smart for your own good and too much easy money. News Flash. The Liquor Store two doors down from my Farmacia, closed its doors yesterday. A Liquor Store closing in Mexico. I wonder if that is part of the Mayan Prophesy.

DENNIS - 12-4-2009 at 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by surebought
I wonder if that is part of the Mayan Prophesy.

2012...The end is near. There will be tumbleweeds rolling down Lopez Mateos and Ruíz.

Repent while you have the time.

Iflyfish - 12-4-2009 at 09:29 AM

The worldwide prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) will increase from 135 to 300 million cases by the year 2025. In Mexico, DM is the third cause of general mortality and the primary cause of mortality in the 55- to 64-year-old age group.
http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S018844090300075...

Very thoughtful and useful post.

Iflyfish

Osprey - 12-4-2009 at 10:52 AM

A big thank you to the Nomad board. I was living under a bridge, begging the tourists for money until one of them called me a troll. I learned on this very forum that a troll is a bad thing to be so I moved. In a way you've all saved my life.

Bajahowodd - 12-4-2009 at 11:15 AM

Obviously, there are genetic predispositions to type 2 diabetes. That said, however, I would consider diet and weight control to be of primary importance. What was overlooked in the posts about the high incidence of the disease in Mexico, is that in the US, African Americans also suffer at much higher rates. The common element, in my opinion, is diet that is driven by poverty. Of course, rich people get the disease, too. But I look at it as an active rather than passive cause when it happens to people who are not poor. Bad lifestyle choices.

toneart - 12-4-2009 at 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Osprey
A big thank you to the Nomad board. I was living under a bridge, begging the tourists for money until one of them called me a troll. I learned on this very forum that a troll is a bad thing to be so I moved. In a way you've all saved my life.

Stay out from under my bridge! Just to make sure, my dog and I have "marked" the territory. :yes:

vandenberg - 12-4-2009 at 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by The Gull

I thought my deafness and blindness came from diabetes until I was tested for blood sugar and found it very low.
No matter, I can't hear ugly women complain during sex. Best of both worlds.

How do you know they're ugly, being blind and all....... :?:

Gull, you're not exaggerating, are you ? :no:

[Edited on 12-4-2009 by vandenberg]

mtgoat666 - 12-4-2009 at 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by surebought
The Number one Health issue facing the Baja Ex-Pats.

I bet nobody would guess this one.

Answers:

#1 Old age.

#2 GOP shenanigans to cut SS and medicare

causes of diabetes are usually self-inflicted.... get lots of exercise, eat healthy, and go on a diet if you are a lard butt

[Edited on 12-4-2009 by mtgoat666]

vandenberg - 12-4-2009 at 12:01 PM

Quote:

And now...... back to trolling. :biggrin:

The Gull - 12-4-2009 at 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by vandenberg

Quote:

How do you know they're ugly, being blind and all....... :?:

Gull, you're not exaggerating, are you ? :no:

[Edited on 12-4-2009 by vandenberg]

Third party assessments have been provided to me. Viagra use is the #1 health issue in Mexico, but the advantages are the blindness and deafness as it supplies a great field of choice.

zforbes - 12-5-2009 at 08:59 AM

Getting back to diabetes (although the viagra discussion is pretty funny)...Surebought, can you tell us anything about nopales as a control for blood sugar? I've read studies that suggest this is the case.

DENNIS - 12-5-2009 at 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by zforbes
Getting back to diabetes (although the viagra discussion is pretty funny)...Surebought, can you tell us anything about nopales as a control for blood sugar? I've read studies that suggest this is the case.

You've probably seen this:

http://www.naturalnews.com/021626_blood_sugar_nopal_diabetes...

gnukid - 12-5-2009 at 09:24 AM

Here is a report about vitamin d deficiency linked to flu and other common illnesses.

http://thebulletin.us/articles/2009/11/15/top_stories/doc4b0...

zforbes - 12-5-2009 at 10:01 AM

Thanks, Dennis & Gnukid...I've been eating lots of nopalitos with my scrambled eggs. In the states it came in jars; in Baja it grows in the back yard. I think I'll hop over to the recipe forum and see what other recipes I can find.

wilderone - 12-5-2009 at 10:28 AM

Check out the Swanson site online, and search for blood sugar control supplements. Also, use stevia instead of sugar, make sure you get enough minerals - certain trace minerals will help curb your craving for sweets. I took a trace mineral tablet and I found it helped. I don't have diabetes but craved cinnamon bears and chocolate!! Our water and vegetables don't provide the trace minerals they should - before our soils were depleted and municipal water was treated and chemicals added. I believe cinnamon helps regulate sugar spikes. And an understanding of the chemistry of carbohydrates and protein interaction with sugar levels will assist as well.